Starting a New Student Organization

The Office of Student Life congratulate you on your interest in starting a new student organization at Purdue University Northwest. The Office of Student Life strongly supports the establishment of new organizations. The information below outlines the current processes for the University.

Process to Becoming a Registered Student Organization

STEP 1- Complete the Petition for New Registered Student Organization
A student or group of students needs to receive 20 signatures of students interested in supporting their proposed organization, have a qualified faculty or staff member as their student organization advisor, and have established who the elected officers will be.

STEP 2- Write a constitution and bylaws
The constitution outline (see below) contains several items that must appear in each organization’s constitution according to Purdue University policy, which are in bold print. You may wish to include additional points that will provide more explicit guidelines for the organization of your group. Please remember that a well written constitution should contain all necessary information in concise language.

STEP 3- Submit all Required Paperwork to the Appropriate Staff
A copy of the student organization constitution should accompany the petition and be submitted to Amanda Schacht, Director of Student Life on the Westville campus or Cody Dallas the Student Organization and Leadership Coordinator Hammond campus. The Signature Authorization Form must be completed and submitted to the appropriate staff member provided above. Allow two weeks for the staff to review the petition and constitution before receiving notification on the student organization’s registration status.

STEP 4- Establish a financial account
Once approved by the Office of Student Life the Business/Bursar Office will be notified to create a financial account for your organization.

NOTE: To maintain the status as a recognized student organization:

• Revisions to your student organizations constitution or bylaws must be submitted to the Office of Student Life
• The Student Organization Registration Form must be completed once an academic year (after Welcome Week), and then within three weeks of any officer change.
• All student organizations must have a representative attend the monthly Student Organization Meetings.